Call for Expressions of Interest - Artsenta 40th Anniversary Symposium on Creativity and Wellbeing
Artsenta / Creative Arts Trust
Deadline
31 May 2026
Location
Dunedin, Global
About
Submit a presentation proposal for Artsenta's 40th anniversary symposium exploring creativity and wellbeing, held in Dunedin in October 2026.
Artsenta is celebrating 40 years of creative practice supporting people experiencing mental health and addiction challenges — and to mark the occasion, they're calling for expressions of interest from artists, researchers, educators, community leaders, and creative space practitioners from across Aotearoa and beyond.
The symposium will be held on 14 October 2026 in Ōtepoti Dunedin, bringing together people who work at the intersection of creativity and wellbeing. It's a chance to share what's working, what's been learned, and to spark new conversations between the creative, community, and health sectors.
Presentation themes may include
- The relationship between creativity and mental health
- Creative practice and resilience
- Arts-based approaches to health and social care
- Community arts and social connection
- Indigenous perspectives on creativity and wellbeing
- Creativity in public health and policy
- Measuring the impact of creativity on wellbeing
Contributions are welcomed in a range of formats — short research presentations, practice-based case studies, panel discussions, and participatory or performative contributions. Online presentations will be considered, though in-person is preferred.
To apply, send the following to director@artsenta.org:
- A short description of your proposed contribution (200–300 words)
- Your preferred format (presentation, workshop, panel, etc.)
- A brief biography (100 words)
Key dates:
- EOI deadline: 31 May 2026
- Notification of acceptance: 30 June 2026
- Attendance registrations close: 30 September 2026
- Symposium date: 14 October 2026